kayak rental/sales

[Tom]

Does anybody know of outfitters that rent river kayaks in Missouri)? I'm specifically looking for kayaks that are NOT inflatable. Any advice/direction is much appreciated.

[Gavin]

Where do you want to float? And what type of boat do you want? A lot of outfitters rent dumpy little sit on top kayaks, but I havent seen many that carry sit ins, good sit on tops, or WW boats. If your looking for something special, you might try renting from the Alpine Shop in St. Louis or a paddlesports stores elsewhere in the state. Cheers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

There are some on the Niangua I believe, but they are the small SOT's

[Brian Sloss]

We are considering getting a couple of kayaks with the fisherman in mind that you sit inside, has plenty of storage, anchors and rod holders, but will be ordering them when business picks up and more revenue is coming in. In other words in May or June. We have the sit on top kind now that is not condusive to fishing with ease. We are on the Eleven Point.

[Wayne SW/MO]

We have the sit on top kind now that is not condusive to fishing with ease.

Why do you say this Brian?

[Brian Sloss]

There is no storaoge to speak of, rod racks or anchors. The ones we are looking at are wider and more stable. I've gone fishing with the ones we have and was fine, but I am a minimalist and don't take more gear than is needed. If you are a gear hound, there is not a lot of space.

[Gavin]

Brian, if your shopping for fishing yaks...The Tarpon 120 is a great sit on top (SOT) fishing yak and the Pungo 120 is a really nice sit in kayak(SINK). I was torn between the two a couple years ago but I ran across a great deal on a used Wenonah Vagabond solo canoe and bought that instead.

On a trip through the Alpine Shop last week I noticed that Ocean Kayak also has one that looks a lot like the Tarpon..Havent paddled it but it looked good. Cheers.

[Brian Sloss]

old Town offers the predator and an ocean SOT kayak that we are considering, but I may look into your suggestions as well before buying anything. Thanks.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The problem with many SOT's on Ozark streams is the position of the scuppers. They can catch on rocks if they're not recessed. The Tarpon and the Malibu Pro Explorer are 2 that do have recessed scuppers.

I would think SOT's would be the better craft on the Eleven Point because they're warmer on cold water, and much easier for amateurs to recover after a spill.

[Forsythian]

I've got an Ocean Kayak SOT that is alot of fun to play in, but it doesn't track worth a darn. Nothing worse than spinning like a top while you're trying to fish.

I've also got an Old Town Loon tandem, tracks well (almost too well for small streams), has storage, and with a little seating modification it can be pretty versatile. My main problem with trying to fish out of it is that it is harder to get in and out of than a canoe. And, while you're fishing out of it, you about have to hold your elbows above your head as you're sitting so close to the water.